Archives For jimingkui

Linux Kernel 3.15

Linus Torvalds finally announced the Linux Kernel 3.15 on the Linux Kernel Mailing List (lkml.org):

So I ended up doing an rc8 because I was a bit worried about some last-minute dcache fixes, but it turns out that nobody seemed to even notice those. We did have other issues during the week, though, so it was just as well. The futex fixes and cleanups may stand out, but as usual there’s various other random fixes since rc8 in there too: mainly drivers (drm, networking, sound, usb etc), networking, scheduling and perf tooling.

But it’s all been fairly small and quiet, which *may* of course be due to the fact that last week was also the first week of the merge window for 3.16. That might have distracted some developers. I’m not entirely convinced I liked the overlap, but it seemed to work ok, and unless people scream really loudly (“Please don’t _ever_ do that again”) and give good reasons for doing so, I might end up doing that overlapping merge window in the future too if it ends up helping out with some particular timing issue.

That said, I also don’t think it was such a wonderful experience that I’d want to necessarily do the overlap every time, without a good specific reason for doing so. It was kind of nice being productive during the last week or rc (which is usually quite boring and dead), but I think it might be a distraction when people should be worrying about the stability of the rc.

Of course, maybe the overlap ends up meaning that we get less noise during the last week of stabilization, and it actually helps. It could go either way. I’d be interested to hear what people thought, although I _suspect_ most people don’t feel strongly either way.

Anyway, with 3.15 released, my “master” branch has already merged the work in my “next” branch on my local machine, and I’ll be decommissioning the “next” branch once I push that all out. After that, any future merge window work will happen on “master”, and we’ll be back to the normal single-branch model for my tree.

What’s New in Linux Kernel 3.15:

  • EFI mixed mode support to support running a 64-bit Linux kernel on a system with 32-bit UEFI.
  • Faster suspend and resume times
  • Add support Sony DualShock 4 controller
  • Newer notebooks should play nicer with the new kernel release.
  • On the future CPU front is AVX-512 and RDSEED extension support.
  • open-source graphics driver improvements that include initial NVIDIA Maxwell GPU support and the VCE 2.0
  • video encoding support for recent AMD graphics cards.
  • And more.

Install / Upgrade to Kernel 3.15 in Ubuntu:

The Ubuntu Kernel Team has made the .deb packages which are available at:

Check your OS type (32-bit = i386, 64-bit = amd64) via System Settings -> Details and download the generic or low latency packages and install them in below orders:

  1. linux-headers-3.15.0-xxxxxx_all.deb
  2. linux-headers-3.15.0-xxx-generic / lowlatency-xxx_i386/amd64.deb
  3. linux-image-3.15.0-xxx-generic / lowlatency-xxx_i386/amd64.deb

For command line:

1. 32 bit system, run below commands one by one in terminal:

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.15-utopic/linux-headers-3.15.0-031500-generic_3.15.0-031500.201406131105_i386.deb

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.15-utopic/linux-headers-3.15.0-031500_3.15.0-031500.201406131105_all.deb

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.15-utopic/linux-image-3.15.0-031500-generic_3.15.0-031500.201406131105_i386.deb

sudo dpkg -i linux-headers-3.15.0-*.deb linux-image-3.15.0-*.deb

2. 64 bit system, run:

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.15-utopic/linux-headers-3.15.0-031500-generic_3.15.0-031500.201406131105_amd64.deb

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.15-utopic/linux-headers-3.15.0-031500_3.15.0-031500.201406131105_all.deb

wget http://kernel.ubuntu.com/~kernel-ppa/mainline/v3.15-utopic/linux-image-3.15.0-031500-generic_3.15.0-031500.201406131105_amd64.deb

sudo dpkg -i linux-headers-3.15.0-*.deb linux-image-3.15.0-*.deb

If you’re using a proprietary video driver, you may re-build or re-install it to get it work with the new kernel.

Once done, restart your computer.

If for some reason this kernel release doesn’t work properly for you, reboot into previous kernel (Grub -> Advanced -> select previous kernel) and run this command to remove Linux Kernel 3.15:

sudo apt-get remove linux-headers-3.15.0-* linux-image-3.15.0-*

Finally update grub menu:

sudo update-grub

Sigram is a different telegram client from Sialan.Labs for Linux desktops. The project is based on Qt5 and qml, and released under the terms of the GPLv3 license.

The client has a gorgeous and simple interface. It has integrated with Limoo to preview pictures.

Features:

  • Send and recieves messages
  • Upload and send files
  • Download photos
  • Emoticons
  • Smart and native notifications
  • Start and End group chats
  • Chat background
  • Delete and forward messages
  • Delete and Add users to group chats
  • Show telegram system status
  • Local mute
  • Inner image viewer with zoom and pan features
  • Full support for touch monitors
  • Beautiful user interface with awesome animations
  • App indicator support on unity desktop
  • Show sent, seen, online, offline, lastseen and typing status
  • Contacts info pages

To-Do:

  • Secret chat
  • Add, remove, rename and edit contacts
  • Send typing status
  • Search on contacts and messages

Screenshots:

Install Sigram Telegram Client:

You may first check your OS tyle 32-bit (i386) or 64 bit (amd64) via System Settings -> Details, then download the Ubuntu installer from:

Download Sigram From Its Project Page

This quick tip is going to show you how to create wifi hotspot in Ubuntu 14.04 so that you can share a wired internet connection with Android devices through your wireless card.

I’ve written about this in another post using a third-party app called ap-hotspot, but some readers said that not work.

The pre-installed Network Manager in Ubuntu Unity does not support Access Point (AP) mode which is required for Android devices. Fortunately, KDE’s connection editor support this mode, below is how:

NOTE: To do below steps, your Wireless Card must support Access Point (AP) mode.

1. Click the link below to bring up Ubuntu Software Center and click install kde-nm-connection-editor:

2. Once installed, press Alt+F2 and run command to launch the app:

kde-nm-connection-editor

3. Click Add button and choose “Wireless (shared)” from the drop-down list.

4. Type in a name, ssid, and select Access Point mode. If want, set up a password under Wireless Security tab. Finally, click OK.

5. Already connected Wired internet? OK, click Network Manager applet on Unity panel and then choose “Connect to Hidden Wi-Fi network”, choose the connection you created in previous step and click Connect button.

6. Finally, your Network Manger menu should like this:

Turn on WLAN on your Android phone and you’ll see the access point in the list. Click connect and enjoy!

For desktops and laptops that have a separate numeric keypad, it might be useful for NumLock to be turned on automatically when your Ubuntu boots up. This quick tutorial will show you how to do it in Ubuntu 14.04.

First click the below button to bring up Ubuntu Software Center and install numlockx.

Then press Alt+F2 and paste below command into the dash.

gksudo gedit /usr/share/lightdm/lightdm.conf.d/50-unity-greeter.conf

Hit enter and type your password when prompt. It will open the lightdm config file with gedit text editor.

Next to do is add below line into the end and save the file:

greeter-setup-script=/usr/bin/numlockx on

Finally restart your computer. The numeric keypad should turn on automatically when you’re at the login screen, and stay on after logging in.

Tip: In my case, NumLock was turned off again during login. If this happens to you, add numlockx as a startup program:

name: Numlockx
command: sleep 20 && numlockx on

For more: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/NumLock

XBMC 13.1, the first bug-fix release of XBMC 13 Gotham, was finally announced after released two betas and a release candidate.

This 13.1 release contains only fixes compared to previous 13.0, and no new features. It can be safely installed on top of any previous XBMC releases.

  • Fix resume point of certain PVR items begin stale on playback.
  • Fix weirdness when certain TVs query XBMC’s UPnP server and it starts running a bunch of add-ons which cause popups on the XBMC machine.
  • Fix crash at exit while airplay is playing
  • Better recovery of VDPAU on errors.
  • Fixes for cropping of interlaced content using VDPAU.
  • Fix for FLAC tracks with large embedded images not playing.
  • Fix for crash if librtmp wasn’t available.
  • Fix for ffmpeg building on linux using later versions of librtmp.
  • Fix for broken m4a, mp4 playback with paplayer.
  • Fix for the hint text not being shown in editcontrols once unfocused.
  • Fix minor memory leak in PlayMedia builtin function.
  • Fix albumartist use in song smartplaylists.
  • Use unique client broadcast UID in the PVR api.

Install XBMC 13.1 in Ubuntu 14.04 / 13.10 / 12.04:

Important notice: 1. It’s always recommended to backup your current userdata before upgrading. 2. Due to changes related to the add-on system and skin improvement, certain plugins, scripts and skins may become incompatible when upgrading from XBMC 12.x.

To install or upgrade, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below one by one:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/ppa

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install xbmc

This quick tutorial is going to show you a really simple photo collage maker application called PhotoCollage.

Although Ubuntu has fotowall in its repositories, PhotoCollage make things much easier.

PhotoCollage is a free and open source tool written in Python. It assembles the input photographs you give it to generate a big poster. Photos are arranged to fill the whole poster, however you can influence the algorithm to change the final layout. You can also set a custom border between photos, and save the generated image in the resolution you want.

Features:

  • generate random new layouts until one suits the user
  • choose border color and width
  • save high-resolution image
  • works even with a large number of photos (> 100)
  • integrates into the GNOME environment
  • available in English and French

Install PhotoCollage in Ubuntu:

The project is hosted on github.com, you can run below commands in terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) one by one to get the code and install it:

git clone https://github.com/adrienverge/PhotoCollage.git

cd PhotoCollage

sudo python3 setup.py install

Thanks to dhor, the package is also available in his PPA for Ubuntu 14.04. Below commands will add the PPA and install PhotoCollage from that repository.

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:dhor/myway

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install photocollage


 

HP print, scan and fax Drivers for Linux just got an update a few hours ago with new printers and Linux Distros support, Linux Mint 17 Qiana is included.

HPLIP (Hewlett-Packard Linux Imaging & Printing) is an HP-developed solution for printing, scanning, and faxing with HP inkjet and laser based printers in Linux. It is free, open source software distributed under the MIT, BSD, and GPL license.

The latest HPLIP 3.14.6 was released on June 4th, which added support for Boss 5.0, Debian 7.5, Linux Mint 17, and following new printers:

  • HP DesignJet Z6600 PostScript
  • HP DesignJet Z6800PS Photo
  • HP DesignJet D5800 60-in Production Printer
  • HP DesignJet T3500 36-in Production eMFP
  • HP Designjet T7200 42-in Production Printer
  • HP Deskjet 2543 All-in-One Printer
  • HP Deskjet 2549 All-in-One Printer
  • HP OfficeJet Pro 8640 e-All-in-One Printer
  • HP OfficeJet Pro 8660 e-All-in-One Printer

Also there are a few bug fixes:

  • Fixed Device Communication Error on launching HP Device Manager
  • Unable to add/remove file in ‘hp-sendfax’ wizard
  • Fax cover page does not get changed after changing recipient second time
  • Improved scan performance for ‘hp-scan’ utility

Install HPLIP 3.14.6:

1. Download the installer:

Or check out if there’s a new release at official page.

2. Press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the installer via:

cd ~/Downloads && chmod +x hplip-3.14.6.run && ./hplip-3.14.6.run

Answer the questions to finish the installing process. Once done, restart your computer.

The desktop publishing (DTP) application Scribus 1.4.4 was released a few days ago on May 29. The new release features exporting to PDF/X-1a, a standard popular with print-on-demand services.

The feature was backported from the development version 1.5 which is still in the making. After activated “color management tool” in Preferences, you’ll see the option in the drop-down box of Compatibility at next launch.

According to the announcement, Scribus 1.4.4 will likely be the last release in the 1.4.x branch, and the Scribus Team will from now on solely focus on the development of the next major version 1.6.

Most Important Changes:

  • PDF/X-1a export.
  • The Barcode plug-in has been updated to reflect the latest changes in the underlying Barcode Writer in Pure PostScript (BWIPP).
  • The Autoquote script has been rewritten and enhanced. It now provides more options and adds thin spaces to French texts where appropriate.
  • A script to align images in frames has been added.
  • Full support of the OpenICC Directory Proposal (http://www.oyranos.org/wiki/index.php?title=OpenIccDirectoryProposal).
  • The handling of transparencies in Photoshop-generated TIFF files has been improved.
  • Page borders can now act as guides (and thus be used for snapping of items).
  • The CMYK color palette created by the Newspaper Association of America (NAA) for newspaper advertisements has been integrated into Scribus.
  • A new color palette for professional geographers has been added.
  • Export to various bitmap formats has been re-enabled on Mac OS X.
  • Several issues related to the user interface and canvas display have been resolved.
  • Adjustments for Windows 8.x.
  • An issue with the spellchecker, resulting in a crash, has been resolved.
  • Documentation and translation updates and improvements.
  • More details, see the official release note.

Install Scribus 1.4.4:

Before writing this tutorial, there is no repository for Ubuntu 14.04 LTS users yet, so I made Scribus 1.4.4 into PPA (using Ubuntu’s default building rules).

To install it, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open terminal. When it opens, run the commands below one by one:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/ppa

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install scribus

Available for Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 13.10 and Ubuntu 12.04.

(Optional) To remove it and revert back to original version available in Ubuntu repository, run:

sudo apt-get install ppa-purge

sudo ppa-purge ppa:ubuntuhandbook1/apps

That’s it. Enjoy!

Popcorn Time, a free and open-source torrent streaming service, becomes stable since release 0.3.1

Popcorn Time allows you to watch movies, TV shows easily streaming from torrents, without any particular knowledge. It’s a good alternative if Netflix is not supported in your country.

Popcorn Time Currently used:

  • YIFY movie torrents API.
  • YifySubtitles for movie subtitles
  • OpenSubtitles for tv shows subtitles
  • Trakt.tv for movies metadata.
  • EZTV for TV Show torrents

The first stable version was release a few days ago with below features added:

  • mirror failback to yify subtitles.
  • icons and links to about dialog
  • methods to mark movie as watched
  • quality filter for movies
  • Advanced Settings with Connection, DHT, Tmp Folder options
  • Pressing ESC to closes modals
  • a help view for keyboard shortcuts. Press ?
  • Draggable subtitles. Move subtitles around the player
  • Drag and drop subtitles on the player to load a custom SRT file
  • Better init screen
  • Added Croatian, Thai and Vietnamese languages

Install Popcorn Time in Ubuntu 14.04:

Thanks to Webupd8 Team, a script has been made into the PPA to automatically download the Linux package from Popcorn Time website and install it on your Ubuntu. Currently, Ubuntu 14.10, Ubuntu 14.04, Ubuntu 13.10, Ubuntu 12.04 and Ubuntu 12.10 are supported.

To install it, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below one by one:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:webupd8team/popcorntime

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install popcorn-time

When the script starts, you’ll be asked to accept the licence.

Popcorn Time on github: https://github.com/popcorn-official/popcorn-app

I’ve posted a tutorial about how to install Google SketchUp 2013 in Ubuntu 13.04, but it seems to be outdated. So I decide to write this how-to and hope it will help those who are trying to get Google SketchUp Make 2014 working in Ubuntu 14.04 LTS through wine.

UPDATE 2024: This tutorial is outdated! It does no longer work in current Ubuntu releases!

First of all, press Ctrl+Alt+T on keyboard to open the terminal. When it opens, run the commands below one by one to install the latest development Wine 1.7 from its PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:ubuntu-wine/ppa

sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install wine1.7

Once wine is installed, config it by running:

winecfg

In “Wine Configuration” window, you may:

  • Change Windows Version to Windows 7 in the bottom of the Applications tab.
  • Under Libraries tab, select ‘Riched20’ library from the drop-down list and add it

Now download the Windows package of SketchUp EXE from the official link below:

Right-click on the EXE and select open it via Wine:

Follow the install wizard and finally you’ll get SketchUp installed with shortcut icons on your desktop.

Tips:

1. On my 64 bit Ubuntu 14.04, SketchUp 2014 hangs after choosing a template. This has been reported as a bug and seemed to be fixed in Wine 1.7.19. However, I still get this error.

The workaround is disable Ruby API by launching SketchUp via:

wine "C:\Program Files (x86)\SketchUp\SketchUp 2014\SketchUp.exe" "/DisableRubyAPI"

Or, in the Properties window of the desktop shortcut, add /DisableRubyAPI to the end of command area:

2. If sketch up doesn’t work because of a problem with a graphics card

1. Run below command to bring up Registry Editor:

wine regedit

2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER -> Software -> Google -> SketchUp version -> GLConfig -> Display

3. Change the value of HW_OK to 1 (so that it shows up as 0×00000001 (1)